Ektara is a single stringed musical instrument originally used by bards and minstrels from India and used in the traditional music of South Asia. It is also used in modern-day music of India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
There is a two-stringed version, which is called Dotara. Ektara can be found in many parts of India and Nepal, with Yogis and Holy men, accompanying their singing and prayers. Ektara is also known as Actara, Yaktaro, Gopichand, Golki.
Construction
The simplest version of Ektara is made with a Bamboo Stick, Wooden Bowl covered with Deer Skin and one String. It is a Drone Lute having a ground resonator covered with the skin (the bowl known as Tumbo). The Bamboo stick is inserted through the bowl. There is a tuning peg using which the tension of the string is adjusted. The bowl is made from the shell of Bottle Gourd, Wood Apple, Coconut etc. Ektara is also played using a bow.
Ektara is a common instrument in Baul music from Bengal. It is commonly used in Kirtan Chanting by Sadhus and Holy men and Folk Singers. Different designs of Ektara are available.
